torty's Profile
Smokin' Jonny's BBQ - Gardena
Address/location? Gardena definitely has some treasures.
French garlic sausage
Bristol Farms sells a French Garlic Sausage at their meat counter. It is a fresh sausage. Not sure if this is what you mean
Uber-Salty King Crab Legs
I have not had them in a number of years because I also found them occasionally over the top salty. I tried giving them a quick bath in lots of just off the simmer water. It seems to leach out some salt. I also served with lots of juicy lemons which cuts the salt, and often a horseradish & yogurt sauce with a touch of sugar. That also seemed to balance out the salt. I have gone to just buying live crabs (local rock or Dungeness) and dealing with the messiness.
Anyone foraging or interested in foraging in the LA area? + Wild Fennel in So Cal
Thanks for the link. I missed that article. My mind is spinning with possibilities. I have also noted, as Russ does, that they are most lush at the bottom of canyons where there is a bit of water.
Anyone foraging or interested in foraging in the LA area? + Wild Fennel in So Cal
Here is a link to a great Russ Parsons LA Times article about local foraging for greens
http://www.latimes.com/features/food/la-fo-calcook1-2009apr01,0,7805735.story
Personally, I do fennel and love the chrysanthemum greens at Harbor Lake. The prolific mallow is on my list to try.
REVIEW w/pics: Cactus, Moles and More at Juan's Restaurante
Can you clarify "empenada and tortillas are made with just cactus and lime juice"? Do you mean along with the standard grains and the vibrant green coming from the nopales? I have seen and tried the "nopaltillas" marketed locally - at the 99 cent store! Interesting trend.
Short Trip Report
I had the pleasure of eating the rabbit livers at Cochon the other day and agree - the best thing I ate there. The pepper jelly along with the parsley and mint really took it out of the park.
Bread rising in the oven during preheat
A wet dough in the pre-heat, in my experience, tends to start to crust. That seems to inhibit the initial poof you get with the risen dough in the hot oven - like it has a coat on and can't expand.
Has anyone seen black garlic in LA area supermarkets?
When the general press started talking about it - maybe a year ago?- I saw it next to the regular garlic at Pavillions (Vons) in Rolling Hills Estates. Maybe call your local Vons/Pavillions. My recollection is that it was not over the top pricey. I think I may have seen it at a Korean market a while ago so that might be a source as well
California spiny lobster season has opened!
The Daily Breeze reported on September 29th that Fish & Game arrested poachers at the Redondo Beach jetty and recovered 145 lobsters in a single night of patrol. They are being vigilant. I better not wait too long into the season!
California spiny lobster season has opened!
To me the taste is less refined but much more meaty than a Maine one and I always get quite of meat picked out of the carcass and legs. These things are strong and flipping sea water all over you as you bend over to check them out. Will keep an eye on Quality's prices and report back
Vietnamese in the South Bay
So Pho Hong Long has tanked in flavor? That was my steady one years ago.
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Pho Hong Long
15709 Crenshaw Blvd Ste A, Gardena, CA 90249
California spiny lobster season has opened!
I checked my notes from last year and at the beginning of the season the Quality Seafood price was $34+ and the Pearson's $10 or more cheaper. So....though pricey - does not seem like an increase. Will be using my birthday money to treat myself to some in the next few days. My favorite seafood.
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Quality Seafood
130 International Boardwalk, Redondo Beach, CA
Vietnamese in the South Bay
I like the place on Crenshaw just north of Manhattan Beach Blvd. (if it is still there) but can you suggest others? Bamboo Song is bland city.
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Bamboo Song
602 Deep Valley Dr, Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274
Any Tues Farmers Markets worth going to in LA area?
For future reference the Torrance Tuesday market (they also have Saturday) is excellent. On Crenshaw Blvd. just north of Sepulveda Blvd. at Wilson Park
MAKING PICKLES! Reliable source for kirby cucumbers?
I find them on a consistent basis at the Korean market near me- that is in Torrance (Sepulveda & Maple) but leads me to believe it is a standard for the making of kimchi and panchan so it should be a Korean market staple. They have been also stocking the Persian cukes but those do NOT do well in a processed pickle.
Portobello Mushrooms
Not sure about the SFV but my local 99 cent store regularly has one quite large or 2 medium for 99 cents- good quality
Birthday cake delivery to Palos Verdes
You might try calling Mayer's Bakery in PV (Rolling Hills Estates) or even the Pavillions Market next to it and see if they deliver
The Price of: Green Bell Peppers
In Los Angeles I can get the red or orange for as low as 49 cents each recently (Sprouts). The green are not on my radar. I think the red and orange are now the big sellers due to the reputed health benefits in the general press. I also see alot of the mini sweet peppers which are a great value - usually a mix of yellow and red- very sweet. I can get a bag full at the 99 cents store for...99 cents.
Korean BBQ in the South Bay?
I like the Korean BBQ in the strip mall on Hawthorne Blvd. at 235th just south of Sepulveda, west side of street in same center as Cost Plus World Market and one of those big Chinese buffets. This would be in Torrance.
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Cost Plus World Market
10860 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025
JONGEWAARD'S BAKE N BROIL, FIRST TIME!
I have only been twice (not by choice) and it was in the evening, but I was completely underwhelmed. Granted, I did not have any of the baked goods which seem to be the pinnacle for many, but even tasting the crust on the vaunted chicken pot pie from a friend's plate I was in blah land. Please let us know what you ordered and thought; perhaps I am missing the ordering boat.
Ishibashi farm stand open with strawberries
Yes it is on Crenshaw just a bit south of Skypark
Anything new/interesting in Torrance?
Yami tea house just opened on the corner of Narbonne and 247th in Lomita. Scanned the menu in the window when they were closed. Looks like a Taiwanese tea shop with some savory offerings. Anyone been?
I really like Mauii chicken. I was going to the one on Redondo Beach Blvd on the Torrance/Gardena border, but I saw one on Sepulveda near Anza. Great chicken salad (topped with grilled asparagus and with their killer homemade hot sauce on the side)
Also on Sepulveda the steam table vegetarian food at India Sweets is an interesting, flavorful, and inexpensive adventure.
The auto link is obviously wrong but I do not know how to get rid of it...
Ishibashi farm stand open with strawberries
I noticed the Ishibashi farm stand in Torrrance (24955 Crenshaw Blvd.) adjacent to the Torrance airport, has opened for 2011. They had sweet pea flower bouquets and some firm but tasty early strawberries. A single basket was $5. I try to support a farmer who has been working that land for over 60 years I think.
What to do with a teeny "slow cooker"
I used that size and style in the past for lentils and it worked well.
Cheap, healthy, low carb?
As an endurance athlete I am surprised that carbs are an issue if you are training but truly every body is different. Protein like chicken or beef is really dirt cheap. Look for frozen bags of chicken tenders for prep ease, or top round super lean beef. Purchase veggies frozen or fresh as price and tastes permit and just saute (stir fry but not with gobs of oil) and vary seasoning. A sprinkle of garlic powder and some soy sauce plus a squeeze of fresh citrus or some vinegar can make you happy. Add some whole grains like quinoa or farro or brown rice and you are set.
Trouble using less oil
A tablespoon of oil is only about 100 calories so that could not be 8 points- if the rufff guidelines is 50 cal/pt, and veg are free so........maybe your calculator is not accurate. Maybe you were using more than that. and I misunderstand. Many calories conscious folks spray the bottom of the pan, toss with the oil in a bowl or bag versus drizzling over the top, and use an extra spritz of spray during the turning process. The tossing beforehand ensures even coverage with minimal oil.
Chihuacle peppers
Guessing the incredible new Diana Kennedy book "Oaxaca al Gusto" has generated lots of interest in them
ISO Vietnamese Sandwich Shop in the South Bay
But is Pho Hong Long still open? I really enjoy their pho
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Pho Hong Long
15709 Crenshaw Blvd Ste A, Gardena, CA 90249
Disappointed with the Beef French Dip Sandwich at Philippe or Am I Missing Something?
I swear I thought the money on the tray was to facilitate/prompt a tip to the server- they bring change- you take what you want and the remainder is the tip.
